How to Apply for a Disabled Veteran License Plate in Massachusetts
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You dedicated years to active service, sacrificing for your country. During that time, you were injured or became ill. As strong as you are, why not let your state make your life a little easier? A disabled veteran license plate in Massachusetts can help make your daily life more manageable.
Understanding the Purpose of Disabled Veteran Plates
A Massachusetts disabled veteran license plate provides more than parking privileges; it also provides recognition for a veteran's military service. The primary purpose of the plate is to improve the veteran's quality of life.
The disabled veteran plate also offers several exemptions, such as parking at meters without fees or penalties. Plates allow qualified veterans to purchase one vehicle — a single-passenger or pickup truck — without sales tax.
What Are Disabled Veteran Plates?
A disabled veteran plate in Massachusetts is a license plate issued to qualified veterans with service-connected disabilities. In simple terms, a service-connected injury refers to an illness or injury caused or made worse during active duty while the person served in the armed forces or another military branch.
Importance of Disability Recognition for Veterans
The disabled veteran license plate in Massachusetts is a significant way to recognize wartime service. Beyond the disabled veteran's plate, the U.S. has laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act that help protect disabled veterans against employment discrimination. The law also requires employers to offer reasonable accommodations, including permitting flexible schedules and remote work.
Eligibility Criteria for Disabled Veteran Plates
Any military veteran from any branch of service, including the Massachusetts National Guard, can apply for a Massachusetts veteran license plate. However, to receive a disabled veteran's plate, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- They must be a Massachusetts resident.
- The registry of the motor vehicle must be in the veteran's name.
- They must meet the Medical Affairs guidelines.
- They must provide a letter from the Veterans Administration that lists the service-connected disability.
- They must provide proof of car insurance in Massachusetts for registration.
Additionally, a Massachusetts licensed and registered physician, nurse practitioner, or chiropractor must certify that the applying veteran meets one of several conditions to qualify for a disabled veteran license plate in Massachusetts. Eligible conditions include:
- Cannot walk 200 feet without rest
- Cannot walk unassisted
- Has a Class III or Class IV cardiac condition
- Has Class III or Class IV functional arthritis
Qualifying veterans can receive one set of plates. The fees for the plates depend on the type, but most veteran plates are free.
Required Documentation for Application
There are three essential documents for the disabled veteran license plate in Massachusetts: the application itself, the VA letter, and the letter from a healthcare provider. You can find the application on the Massachusetts.gov website.
The letter from the VA confirms your service and disability. It should include a list of your specific injuries eligible for disabled parking and provide a service-connected rating of 60% or more.
The letter from your healthcare provider certifies you meet one condition that qualifies you for disability parking. It can be brief. The healthcare professional should know the details to include to help you qualify for the desired motor vehicle registration plate.
Fees for Applying for a Disability Placard or License Plate
In Massachusetts, you do not have to pay any fee to apply for a disability placard or license plate. A disabled veteran license plate in Massachusetts is also free for qualifying veterans. The registration fee for one single-passenger vehicle or pickup truck is also free for a qualifying disabled veteran.
How To Apply for a Disability Placard or License Plate
To receive a disability placard or plate in Massachusetts, you must be a resident and follow three steps. First, complete the application for disabled parking. The application includes a section that your healthcare provider must complete. You should make a copy of the application for your records.
Second, if applying for a disabled veteran license plate in Massachusetts, you need the service-connected disability breakdown letter from the VA. Without this letter, the RMV cannot process the application.
Finally, you can mail the application and supporting documents to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The exact mailing address is:
Registry of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Medical Affairs
PO Box 55889
Boston, MA 02205-5889
You should receive your Massachusetts license plate in about 30 days. If you do not receive the plate, you can contact your local RMV office for more information.
Additional Resources for Veterans
A disabled veteran license plate in Massachusetts is only one way the state is helping veterans. Check out the state's RMV website for more military and veteran information, including information about tax exemptions. If you want new auto insurance for your new or old car, use EverQuote to find and compare insurance plans for veterans from top providers.